Use of DHEA to Lose Weight

DHEA is the acronym for the chemical name dehydroepiandrosterone, a naturally occurring hormone produced by the adrenal gland. DHEA is available as a dietary supplement in tablet form at many major grocery stores and pharmacies. Although DHEA is not marketed as a weight loss aid, research about its use for this purpose is ongoing.

The research connecting DHEA to weight loss is promising. However, fully understanding how DHEA works and how it impacts weight loss is crucial before you decide to start taking this supplement.

DHEA Features

• According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, DHEA is a precursor to both testosterone and estrogen, two essential hormones.

  Although DHEA is produced within the body, levels begin to decrease in males after age 30. Levels of DHEA are also reported to be depleted by AIDS, adrenal insufficiency, and terminal illness.

  When you take DHEA supplements, especially if you are male, they may increase the androgenic hormones - otherwise known as steroids - in your body. This is vital to remember as we examine DHEA's role in weight loss.

The Evidence for Weight Loss

• Although government and educational sources acknowledge that still more evidence is necessary before an FDA approval for weight loss, there are studies that have been conducted.

  On a grading scale just like the ones used in high school and college, the U.S. National Institutes of Health ranks DHEA's use for treating obesity at a respectable "B." The University of Maryland also reports that DHEA has been demonstrated to improve levels of total body fat and LDL, or "bad" cholesterol.

  Since DHEA converts into androgenic chemicals in the body, it can help promote bone density and muscle protein synthesis. Muscle growth leads to fat loss, since the process burns calories.

  The prognosis looks good so far. Still, there is more to know about DHEA before you and your doctor make a decision about using it for weight loss.

Considerations

• Since DHEA promotes muscle growth and bone density, it technically has anabolic effects on the body. This means that if you take it, you may not lose weight, although it is possible you will lose fat, especially if you have an active lifestyle and healthy diet.

  Still, side effects to watch out for include insomnia, delusions, manic episodes, nervousness, irritability, and even psychosis, says the U.S. National Institutes of Health. Theories also exist linking long-term use of DHEA for weight loss with prostate and ovarian cancer, although this has not been proven.

  Men under 40 should not take DHEA regularly unless a doctor has indicated otherwise. This leads to the most important thing you should do before using DHEA for weight loss--talk to your doctor. She will take into account your personal medical history and make an expert decision on whether DHEA will be useful and safe for your weight-loss goals.